C43 estate

[ocd]

Quite fancy one of these. I bought a demo C63 estate in 2016 but it was too raucous for me and Mrs OCD didn’t like it because it shook out her fillings. A late pre-facelift 2018 can be had for sub 40k but I would regret not getting the latest version and intend to keep it for a while. Premium plus with lots of extras going for about 52k+ on carwow and there are plenty of new ones on MB UK at 56+ which seems OTT. Anyone got any intell on how these are moving at the moment? I’d go for a fully loaded one for 50k on PCP with a generous trade in for current car and dealer contribution to bring finance to 40k. Am I deluded? Possibly I suppose.

[playalistic]

Have you driven one (with the missus)? They ride similarly so if you're expecting something a bit more wafty than a C63 you might be a bit disappointed. I test drove a facelift C43 coupe and it didn't ride noticeably different to my C63 coupe though I appreciate these are slightly different setups.

[ocd]

Thanks for the info. I haven't had a go yet. The 18" rims might give a bit more waft I suppose, but I really like the black 19" (sorry Matron). Will report back.

[rokut]

playalistic said:

Have you driven one (with the missus)? They ride similarly so if you're expecting something a bit more wafty than a C63 you might be a bit disappointed. I test drove a facelift C43 coupe and it didn't ride noticeably different to my C63 coupe though I appreciate these are slightly different setups.

Sorry to ocd on this, but playa - can you shed some light on thoughts on living with your 63 and how the 43 compared? I am getting into dangerous water wanting after a 63 badly. Currently in an S4 until my October lease ends, but desperately want the V8 next. However, the figures look a little eye watering for me and therefore the 43, even though direct rival to the S4, is also interesting. Sorry for hijacking the thread

[playalistic]

Admittedly I didn't spend a lot of time with the C43, I had it for a day. Though I can say (perhaps obviously) the C63 is a better car all around - even if you take the V8 out of the equation. No doubt that a-to-b the C43 is quicker than the 63, due to the 4matic though I specifically enjoy the character of the 63 and RWD. The C63 to my eyes is also more recognisable with the wider arches and meaner stance, bearing in mind I'm talking specifically the coupe form... The facelift 43 takes some of the styling cues from the 63 so double bar AMG grille (I prefer this to the facelift 63 and the panam grille) and the rounded quad pipes, I believe wider arches too. So at least that is more noticeable above a bog standard C coupe.

The drive train of the 63 is just simply leagues ahead of the 43 but I don't think anyone would argue with that. I'll say that if I couldn't afford a 63 I'd I now way feel short changed with a 43 - given my short time with one. It still feels special, has plenty of poke and AMG character, rides similarly. I don't think you'd be unhappy with either!

[Mitch16]

Go for it ocd, although try one first for a long test drive if you found the ride on a C63 to firm. I drove both on extensive test drives, a C43 salon on 18" wheels and a C63 salon on 19" (which I ended up buying last week). I really could not tell much difference in the ride (which I was surprised about given the different wheel sizes). They are both very sensitive to tyre pressure so do check those, the tyres have a much higher pressure if the car is on the max speed / heavy load ratings which makes the ride much firmer.

rokut - I think playalistic sums it up really well. The traction on the C43 was immense and made it a much faster point and squirt machine, much like your S4 (nice car - I had one too). In this cold and damp weather the C43 just pulled hard with no traction problems.
The C63 is an animal in comparison and in this weather a C43 would be much "quicker" accelerating. However the C63 sold it to me for the looks and the noise, I have the AMG switchable exhaust and I have never smiled so much driving a car. It is immense. You also don't need to be going fast to enjoy the noise and drama of the C63.

Both are fabulous cars and I hope you both find what you are after. If I can help share any more views please let me know.

[ocd]

Thanks for your opinions. The extended test drive sounds like a good plan. I loved the 63 but it I never used anywhere near its limits. Got it out of my system though and it was a great replacement for my 06 997. I like the subdued lines of the V6 TBH. Will let you know how it pans out.

[rokut]

playalistic said:

Admittedly I didn't spend a lot of time with the C43, I had it for a day. Though I can say (perhaps obviously) the C63 is a better car all around - even if you take the V8 out of the equation. No doubt that a-to-b the C43 is quicker than the 63, due to the 4matic though I specifically enjoy the character of the 63 and RWD. The C63 to my eyes is also more recognisable with the wider arches and meaner stance, bearing in mind I'm talking specifically the coupe form... The facelift 43 takes some of the styling cues from the 63 so double bar AMG grille (I prefer this to the facelift 63 and the panam grille) and the rounded quad pipes, I believe wider arches too. So at least that is more noticeable above a bog standard C coupe.

The drive train of the 63 is just simply leagues ahead of the 43 but I don't think anyone would argue with that. I'll say that if I couldn't afford a 63 I'd I now way feel short changed with a 43 - given my short time with one. It still feels special, has plenty of poke and AMG character, rides similarly. I don't think you'd be unhappy with either!

Really appreciate your thoughts here Playalistic. This follows my natural thinking too. I've really enjoyed the S4. It makes life easy, quick point to point and is a nice place to sit. But the 63 engine is what I really want next and not as bothered about being point to point quick. The drama and noise of just normal driving will do me nicely, as what I do find is thudding the accelerator into the carpet every time you have the opportunity in the S4 kinda limits the thought process of driving and becomes quite binary. Having to think about the 63 and how you deploy its power is probably what I crave.

I'll start my process of building new contacts and working the ones I have to look for the right deal. I have until end of October and can always extend the S4 for three months easily if needed.

[rokut]

Mitch16 said:

Go for it ocd, although try one first for a long test drive if you found the ride on a C63 to firm. I drove both on extensive test drives, a C43 salon on 18" wheels and a C63 salon on 19" (which I ended up buying last week). I really could not tell much difference in the ride (which I was surprised about given the different wheel sizes). They are both very sensitive to tyre pressure so do check those, the tyres have a much higher pressure if the car is on the max speed / heavy load ratings which makes the ride much firmer.

rokut - I think playalistic sums it up really well. The traction on the C43 was immense and made it a much faster point and squirt machine, much like your S4 (nice car - I had one too). In this cold and damp weather the C43 just pulled hard with no traction problems.
The C63 is an animal in comparison and in this weather a C43 would be much "quicker" accelerating. However the C63 sold it to me for the looks and the noise, I have the AMG switchable exhaust and I have never smiled so much driving a car. It is immense. You also don't need to be going fast to enjoy the noise and drama of the C63.

Both are fabulous cars and I hope you both find what you are after. If I can help share any more views please let me know.

Mitch - congratulations on the 63! Was it stock and therefore you have it now? Or are you waiting for delivery? Looks and noise is definitely where my head is at. The danger is to my wallet - both in stretching to afford it and then the inevitable crazy low MPG and high running costs in general. But what a thing to own for a short while!
Is the switchable exhaust an extra? And does it make a huge difference to the sound?

This all really started early Dec when I experienced two different V8s whilst on holiday in Florida. A Corvette Stingray and a Mustang 5.0. Corvette was the MUCH better car (I wouldn't own a Mustang after experiencing it for a few days), but the noise and general feel a properly big V8 brings to normal driving vs. a 6 is huge. So its got under my skin, and the 63 seems like a good way to do it if I can. Here's hoping I can make it work!

[wylie coyote]

Enjoyed the discussion here. I have a A45 and am thinking of upgrading it to a C63, but wondering about the move from 4wd to Rwd as I haven't had Rwd up until now - always fwd or 4wd. I like the look of the C43 as an alternative with the 4wd but it only has 390bhp which would not be much of a difference to my A45 (FL).
I'm only starting my deliberations here, but what is the C63 like to drive in wet/cold conditions with all the safety stuff switched on? It is still a little lairy or is it docile if you respect the throttle?

Any insight would be welcome - my post may look a bit girlie but this car would be used at least 3 days a week in most weathers and therefore would not be parked in my garage except in very extreme conditions....

Cheers!

p.s. I didn't realise I was already registered on here so forgive the lack of posts!!

Edited by wylie coyote on Friday 8th February 12:57

[ocd]

I had the C63 estate for about 18 months and used it as daily 12 mile commute in all weathers. I lost the back end briefly one damp morning gunning it in Sport+ onto the M3 from a slip road but the stability control sorted it out. My son nearly shat himself though. Living in a town centre it was just too OTT in terms of noise, potholes and presence - it attracted lots of hateful looks as well as 'nice one'. Never regretted it though.

[playalistic]

I daily mine and it's very benign. It'll happily break traction in the cold/wet of course, but very easy to handle even with the TC fully off. With the sport type modes engaged it'll let you get some nice angles before bringing you back. It's just a heap of fun really, even at low speeds. I had a golf R and it would have been faster almost everywhere than my 63 but just utterly devoid of anything else.

[Mitch16]

If you are docile with the throttle it is absolutely fine even on summer tyres. I have tried to get winter tyres for mine but everyone else had the same idea so I will buy some ahead of next winter which will hopefully make the car even more useable - I drive to the train station every day and typically a very early start on ice roads.

If you are aggressive with the throttle (especially in sport + mode) then it will easily break traction in this weather. However the traction control is very progressive and brings everything safely back in line. In my Golf GTI the traction control shook the whole car and really ruined the experience.

I have had my C63 for 2 weeks now and it has been the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. As I mention above, every journey is an event and noisy, it really makes me giggle.

I was really impressed with the c43 and, in truth, it is probably a better daily. However for me the C63 noise was just too hard to miss out on and it can be enjoyed at low speeds burbling around.

hope you can find one and get into the club.

[Doomhunk]

Not much to add here, except to say I'm looking at the C43 vs and S4. Had to forego to C63 because I need AWD for the large part of the winter I spend driving in Central Europe.

Had the C43 for a test drive on Friday and really enjoyed it. New, it's outside of budget, but by the time my A7 BiTDi goes back in June, there should be a few in the low 40s I could go for.

S4 on Friday. We'll see if they actually offer to take the A7 on a sensible deal. That could be the deciding factor.

[off_again]

C63S owner here - I agree with the previous comments about breaking traction at a whim. Ok, so I am in California and winter is not harsh here (live at the foothills of the Sierras). But I bought mine just before the onset of winter here and I will admit that I was getting very worried about the tires - 3 season Dunlops which are definitely not good for colder weather. Once I learned how to manage the traction and to NOT let it kick-down, and its surprising how much grip there is! In fact, its a lot of fun and other than snow and ice, its pretty much fine. There are quite a few owners here in the US who daily their C63's on winter tires - mbworld.org is a good place to look and a lot of people seem to have no real issues.

Long way of saying the obvious - drive with caution, consider winter tires and learn how to drive it and its fine. Bloody good fun to be honest! Would I prefer 4wd? Maybe. But the LSD thats on the S model works really well and keeps the car straight, even in unexpected situations. Oh, and keep it in Comfort mode in the worst conditions - Sport / Sport+ really turns back the traction, so use with caution.

Happy C63S owner here - well worth it. But then again, fuel is $3 a US Gallon, so would be daft to not do it!

[ocd]

Done it. Ex demo facelift from MB main dealer premium plus with the black alloys, leather and exhaust. It will be delivered next week. Can’t wait!

[playalistic]

Good shout!

[NoTreadLeft]

ocd said:

Done it. Ex demo facelift from MB main dealer premium plus with the black alloys, leather and exhaust. It will be delivered next week. Can’t wait!

Well done. Had mine a year now and love it - they are great cars.

[ocd]

First full day with it today. I’m very impressed with the ‘planted’ feel and it certainly goes like the clappers with bags of torque. The switchable exhaust makes all the right noises. Took my son with me this evening for an A road blast and we both agreed that it is a fantastic machine but not the same as the C63 (obvs). The most noticeable difference to both of us was the fact that the V8 was more visceral in that you felt it through the car and the seat of your pants, whereas the V6 seems more remote, despite the exhaust noise. The Info system and electronics are very impressive and I’m really looking forward to getting to know it all inside out. Great car.

[rokut]

ocd said:

First full day with it today. I’m very impressed with the ‘planted’ feel and it certainly goes like the clappers with bags of torque. The switchable exhaust makes all the right noises. Took my son with me this evening for an A road blast and we both agreed that it is a fantastic machine but not the same as the C63 (obvs). The most noticeable difference to both of us was the fact that the V8 was more visceral in that you felt it through the car and the seat of your pants, whereas the V6 seems more remote, despite the exhaust noise. The Info system and electronics are very impressive and I’m really looking forward to getting to know it all inside out. Great car.

Glad you're so happy with it! The 43 exhaust note seems fruitier than my S4's when I hear them around, but I understand what you say re: engine. The 6 is a bit more clinical than an 8.
Have fun!